Economic Development Council Meeting

Minutes:  May 7, 2008; 9:30 am

Judge Welsh Room

Town Hall

 

Present:

Members:  Thanassi Kuliopulos, Bonnie Adams-Campbell, Alix Ritchie, Michael Carroll

Staff:  Grant Administrator Michelle Jarusiewicz

Absent: Astrid Berg, Marty Huey, Steve Melamed, William Dougal

 

Meeting called to order by Alix Ritchie at 9:35 am

 

Elections for EDC.  Members needed as appointments expiring June 30th.  With only 4 EDC members present at this meeting, elections to be delayed until new membership is appointed.  Todd no longer a member, Marty unknown (would need to reapply), Mike will be reapplying, Thanassi has reapplied already.  Members should try to solicit new members with requisite skills and a longterm structural view towards economic health.

 

Phase two interviews held with Mt. Auburn and New Commons.  Selection committee strongly felt that New Commons would be better as the public participation component is crucial to the success of the planning process.  The management of public participation and high energy levels were strong points for this group.  The price comparison had New Commons significantly less expensive.  The County Commissioners will be making a decision at its meeting this week or next.  Seems to be a consensus on using New Commons.

 

Emphasis of New Commons focused on going out and finding viewpoints of the community as a whole to represent full participation.

 

Motion made by Thanassi to approved amended Minutes for Business Summit I, held on October 18, 2007.  Seconded by bonnie  All vote to approve: 4-0-0

 

Minutes for the April 28, 2008 meeting interviewing Mt. Auburn will be developed from Dan Dray’s rating schedule.

 

Pending minutes from May 30, 2007 and August 29, 2007 – still looking for information.

 

Discussion held on the rising gas prices and the potential impact on tourism.

 

Next steps beyond Business Summits I, II, and III.  Taking the data gathered, together with the public participation to develop the future vision and action plan.  Phase Two addresses the beginning of these next steps.  The public process must be inclusive in order to make the overall project successful.  Need to create information to show people why it is good to open a business here.  Giving people the tools to help develop and generate business opportunities here in town.  The wireless village concept would be an example of a tool that can be used.  The planning process will develop a set of things to do, including public policy initiatives at the Selectmen’s level. 

 

Discussion held on the ongoing H2B issues. 

 

Discussion held on the closure of Town Hall.  The film festival is greatly impacted as there is no venue large enough to hold opening, closing and award ceremonies.  How much will this impact the future of holding the film festival in town?  Can the schools be used for daytime activities?  It appears that the schools are not able to be used during the school day, this may be a local regulation and it needs to be addressed with the School Committee.

 

Discussion held regarding the potential of greening the reconstruction of Town Hall by installing solar panels on the roof.

 

Meeting adjourned at 10:36 am.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Amy Germain

Amy Germain

Recording Secretary